Page 19 - MELD Stimulant service

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11 OUTCOMES

At the start of the project, all individuals who participated in the study reported
high levels of anxiety, stress, cravings, low mood, poor sleep and motivation
resulting in poor coping strategies and feelings of being easily overwhelmed.
Although individual’s reasons for using substances were varied, there were a
number of themes including feelings of hopelessness, and being stuck in drug
using cycles when faced with crisis situations including housing, finances and
relationship issues.

This often resulted in an inability to manage difficult feelings and emotions
leading to increased risk taking behaviour and poly drug use. All individual’s
reported reduced anxiety and stress levels over the duration of the project and
were more receptive to:
• Engaging in conversations about risk-taking behaviour.

• Increasing knowledge about other key services that could offer support.
• Learning relaxation techniques that could be used out with sessions.

11.1 SUBSTANCE USE OUTCOME TABLE

Reported substance use was recorded at the start of the project and at the end
of the project. Data was collected for 18 individuals due to two participants
dropping out.

Name of drug First Session Last Session
Cocaine only 5 7

Cocaine & Alcohol 7 2
Cocaine, Alcohol & Cannabis 2 0
Base & Alcohol 1 0

Abstinent 3 9

Key findings included a decrease in number of
individuals reporting poly drug use over the duration
of complementary therapy sessions. Although cocaine
use on its own had increased, 5 of these individuals
reported a decrease in cocaine quantity and frequency.
This had changed from daily or every week-end to
occasional use with much bigger time gaps in between.
There was also an increase in the number of individuals
who reported abstinence. Reasons for this included a
desire to focus on mental and physical health, re-build
key relationships and improve financial situations.